Chargers RB Melvin Gordon has something to prove in 2018

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon has something to prove in 2018

Whether or not Chargers running back Melvin Gordon realizes it yet, 2018 will be a defining year for the 25-year-old former Wisconsin product.

Through three seasons Gordon has yet to average over 3.9 yards per carry, and that is true despite seeing at least 250 carries in each of the previous two campaigns. However, Gordon has proven to be outstanding coming out of the backfield as a receiver, amassing six receiving touchdowns between 2016-17.

But Los Angeles should be looking for more consistent production in regards to yards per carry and at least one more fully healthy year before committing to Gordon as their bell-cow back long-term. And it’s this reality which makes 2018 such a pivotal year for Gordon and his fans.

Gordon’s base salary jumps from $1.89 million in 2018 all the way up to $5.6 million in 2019, giving general manager Tom Telesco all-the-more reason to be keeping a close eye on his starting running back’s production.

Fortunately for Gordon, Telesco dramatically upgraded the center position by signing free agent Mike Pouncey this offseason. In fact, only one center was worse than last year’s starting center for L.A., Spencer Pulley, according to Pro Football Focus.

Pouncey’s presence is an increasingly welcome site given the north-south style of RB that Gordon is. Having a three-time Pro Bowl player with rare leverage and strength ahead of him is something that Gordon hasn’t seen to date in his young career. And it just may be enough for him to break out in a way that many have expected him to since he entered the league in 2015.